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A Yissachar / Zebulun Partnership in Loving Memory of Yishak ben Simcha A"H & Felicia bat Miriam A"H
Rabbi Eli Mansour

Daily Halacha

The Phrase “Yeheh Shelama Rabba Min Shemaya” in Kaddish

Lectured by Rabbi Eli Mansour

Published
March 22, 2026
Duration
30:05

Lecture Text

In the "Kaddish Yeheh Shelama," which is recited by mourners at the end of the prayer service, we make twelve requests, asking for: "Shelama Rabba" (an abundance of peace), "Haim" (life), "Saba" (satiation), "Yeshua" (salvation), "Nehama" (consolation), "Shezaba" (protection), "Refua" (health), "Ge'ula" (redemption), "Seliha" (forgiveness), "Kapara" (atonement), "Revah" ("relief"), and "Hasala" (deliverance).

These twelve requests correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel – which were founded by the twelve righteous sons of Yaakob Abinu – and we pray to Hashem to grant us these wishes in their merit.

The word "Revah" (translated above as "relief") could also refer to material prosperity. The Arizal taught that the Name of G-d associated with Parnasa (livelihood) is Het-Tav-Chaf. This Name is alluded to in the verse "Pote'ah Et Yadecha U'masbia Le'chol Hai Rason" ("You open Your hand and wilfully satiate every living creature" – Tehillim 145:16), as the final letters of the words "Pote'ah et Yadecha" are Het, Tav and Chaf. These letters in Gematria equal 428 (8+400+20), which is twice the Gematria of the word "Revah" (200+6+8=214). In "Kaddish Yeheh Shelama," we say "Ve'revah" – with the letter Vav appearing before the word "Revah." Now Rashi (Bereshit 27:28) comments that the word "Ve'yiten" ("And He shall give") means that G-d should give and then give again ("Yiten Ve'yahazor Ve'yiten"). The word "Ve'revah," then, might also refer to a double blessing of "Revah" – or twice 214, for a total of 428. The word "Ve'revah," then, perhaps alludes to the special Name of Parnasa – Het-Tav-Chaf. This might be the reason why many have the custom to loudly exclaim "Ve'revah" during Kaddish – emphasizing the desire to access this special Name and thereby earn a comfortable livelihood.